Poplar Bluff to host regional conference on domestic violence

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The women who come to Haven House seeking shelter from domestic violence often carry little with them except the scars of emotional abuse that linger long after their physical wounds heal.

"There are so many different levels of abuse that we serve, but emotional and verbal abuse are always there," explained Haven House victim advocate Angela Sieben. "It is how he keeps power and control."

Sieben hopes as a speaker at the Ninth Annual Child Abuse and Domestic Violence conference she will be able to help others understand the foundation of abuse. The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Oct. 20, at First United Methodist Church, 500 N. Main St. Registration closes Friday.

"Domestic violence is about power and control and manipulation," explained Sieben, who has been with Haven House five years. "Helping people understand that will help them better serve victims of domestic violence."

Haven House, which has 27 beds, is currently near capacity.

Butler County ranked 21st of Missouri's 114 counties in 2009 based on the rate of domestic violence incidents, according the Missouri State Highway Patrol's most recent publication of "Crime in Missouri."

Figures in the document are calculated per 100,000 population.

The highest rate was 2,574 in Mississippi County. Locally, county rates were: Butler 959.1; Carter 844.6; Dunklin 256.6; Reynolds 330.9; Ripley 428; Stoddard 317; and Wayne 89.5.

Domestic violence is a very real problem, according to Karen Crook, executive director of Butler County Community Resource Council. The conference is sponsored by the CRC, Haven House, Ozark Foothills Child Advocacy Center and others.

It is important education be available within the community for those who are trying to help, especially considering the state of the economy, Crook said. Between 80 and 100 people are expected to attend the conference.

This year a keynote speaker and a closing speaker have been added to the lineup, Crook said.

Butler County Coroner Jim Akers will address the group first to discuss how unnatural deaths can be prevented.

"He has such a wealth of knowledge and sees so much," Crook said. "He sees how sad it is when somebody loses their life at the hand of somebody they thought loved them."

The closing address by Greg Brainard, a member of the Poplar Bluff Police Department, will look at ways abusers use modern technology to locate and contact children.

Other breakout sessions will include the popular "In Her Shoes," an activity that helps participants understand the decisions and hardships faced by those living with domestic violence, and "The Children are Watching," a discussion of how children who witness domestic violence are affected. Both sessions are given by Haven House workers.

Missouri Social Services Children's Division workers will present information on the signs of sexual abuse in children and Dr. Joyce Griffin, community liaison and educator for CenterPointe, will provide tips on how to deal with risky behaviors exhibited by adolescents who have been the victims of early abuse and neglect.

For information on registration, contact Crook at 573-776-7830. The registration fee of $15 includes lunch. Participants are encouraged to register by the deadline so an accurate meal count can be done.

Pertinent address:

500 N. Main St., Poplar Bluff, MO